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Wolf Pack running back Don Jackson has three goals this season: win the starting job; rush for 1,500 yards; and become an academic All-American.

That third goal is a bit of a surprise.

The 5-foot-10, 210-pound Jackson received heavy Pac-12 recruiting interest as a standout at Laguna Creek High in Elk Grove, Calif., where he rushed for 2,305 yards and 23 touchdowns as a senior. He just didn’t care about academics. He plainly admits that. It almost cost him an opportunity to play in college.

“I didn’t take school seriously,” Jackson said. “My freshman year, I threw away that year. My sophomore year, I threw away that year. I had to kick it into gear because I wasn’t going to graduate high school. I switched schools and I brought my grades up, but I wasn’t academically eligible (for college).”

After almost failing out of high school, Jackson transferred to Calvine High, a continuation school, where he got his degree. He eventually landed at Iowa Western Community College before getting to Nevada, where he’s getting a second chance. He’s fighting to make that second chance count.

“As far as him being a Nevada, Pistol running back, he has all the intangibles to do it,” said quarterback Cody Fajardo, adding that he’s impressed at how quickly Jackson has gobbled up Nevada’s playbook.

Jackson’s academic struggles in high school didn’t carry over to his time in junior college. Instead of needing two years to become eligible for the FBS level like most players, Jackson was able to do it in 1½ years, which allowed him to enroll at Nevada in the spring. He’s impressed the Wolf Pack’s new staff.

“He’s been a willing pass protector, he’s caught the ball well, he’s run really hard, he has good vision,” said first-year coach Brian Polian, adding Jackson has moved to the top of the depth chart. “He’s done a nice job. Frankly, he’s shown some leadership traits. He’s excited to play football and has fun out here.”

Jackson is the odds-on favorite to replace All-American Stefphon Jefferson, who rushed for 1,883 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2012. Jefferson opted to enter the NFL draft after his junior season.

The four candidates vying to replace him have combined for zero carries at the FBS level. In a loaded backfield at Iowa Western CC last season, Jackson rushed for 574 yards on 66 carries (8.7 yards per carry). He has three years of eligibility remaining and understands the high standard for a Nevada back.

“It’s just the nature of Nevada football and the Pistol offense,” Jackson said. “You have to get a lot of rushing yards. I’m happy with what we have up front. Those guys are busting their tail and I’m getting more comfortable in the offense and starting to see stuff and they’re helping me get better every day.”

Offensive lineman Joel Bitonio likes what he’s seen from Jackson. While offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich takes over the reins of the Wolf Pack Pistol, Bitonio said the offense will remain a run-first, physical group. He said Jackson could be in line for a big season.

“He’s just a good kid,” Bitonio said. “He comes to work hard every day and he’s somebody who wants to succeed. He’s a high-energy guy. He gets down on himself if he messes up, but that’s a good sign. He’ll learn from his mistakes and he’s an all-around good kid who will do big things here.”

Running backs coach Lester Erb compared Jackson to San Francisco 49ers running back Jewel Hampton, whom Erb coached at Iowa. Both are shifty backs who run with more power than their frame would suggest. Erb said Jackson’s greatest strength isn’t necessarily his physical skills but his determination.

“The biggest thing about Don is the way he approaches every day,” Erb said. “He comes out here with a great attitude and he really works hard. He’s really developing into a leader for the offense.”

Jackson said his favorite running back to watch is Seattle Seahawk Marshawn Lynch because he runs violently. Jackson has modeled his running style after Lynch’s aggressive approach.

Jackson also has plenty of confidence. After verbally committing to Nevada last December, Jackson said he was gunning for the Wolf Pack’s starting job. At that point, Jefferson was still a member of the team. Now that he’s off to a pro career, Jackson has even more confidence he will win the starting gig.

“If you’re not confident in doing something then you’re not going to be able to reach that goal,” Jackson said. “I set goals every year, whether it comes to football, whether it comes to class. I set goals every year and I attack those goals. With confidence, you’ll be able to reach your goals.”